Honouring Saint David: A Day of Worship and Celebration in St Davids
Over the weekend communities across the region gathered to celebrate the life and work of Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales.
The heart of this year’s celebrations was once again in St Davids, the smallest city in the UK and the historic centre of Saint David’s sixth-century ministry.
Celebrations began on Friday evening in St Davids Cathedral with a concert marking the start of the St David’s Day weekend. The Band of the Prince of Wales and the British Army Band Tidworth presented a programme of Welsh hymns and anthems.
On Saturday there was an 8am service in St Davids Cathedral. In the early afternoon, celebrations moved to Oriel y Parc, where arrival and storytelling began at 1.30pm, leading into the St David’s Day Parade at 2pm. The procession travelled along the High Street with the Mayor of St Davids, local schoolchildren and community groups taking part, creating a colourful public witness to Welsh faith and heritage. At 4pm, the Cathedral hosted Evensong, offering a moment of reflection and thanksgiving at the close of the afternoon’s festivities. The celebrations concluded at 7.30pm with Cyngerdd Dydd Gŵyl Ddewi in the Cathedral. The evening concert featured the Landsker Singers together with soloists Jessica Robinson and Caleb Nicholas, presenting a programme of Welsh songs and choral music. Proceeds from the concert went towards Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026.
On Sunday, Morning Prayer and Holy Communion began at 8am at the Shrine in St Davids Cathedral. At midday, the illumination of the St Davids Stone took place, after which a procession continued to Cross Square, where the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, offered the Blessing of the City. The procession then returned to the Cathedral for choral prayers and anointing at the Shrine of St David. The Patronal Eucharist at 4pm brought clergy and congregation together in a traditional choral celebration.
Annual St David’s Day message to the Senedd from the Bench of Bishops
Today, children from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, a Church in Wales school, delivered the annual St David’s Day message from the Bishops of the Church in Wales to the Senedd. Here is what the letter said:
St David’s Day Message to the Senedd from the Bishops of the Church in Wales.
Good morning / afternoon everyone, and may we begin by wishing you all a blessed St David’s Day.
On this day we give thanks for the nation and people of Wales, for all who call this land home, and for the shared history, language and culture that shape us. As spring begins to stir, and daffodils bloom we are reminded of new life and renewal, and above all, of the hope and rebirth that Jesus Christ offers, not only to Wales, but to the whole world.
As we look at Wales today, we see a generous nation. We see a people who care deeply about community, about justice, about the memory of those that came before us, and the lives of those that will come after. We can take pride in who we are, while still having the ambition to become more than we are now.
In a few months’ time, the people of Wales will have the opportunity to vote in the elections for a Senedd that will be elected in a new way, and with a larger membership. New circumstances will bring new voices and new perspectives to this ancient land.
For those who are eligible to vote, we urge that they use this precious and hard-won privilege. For those who are campaigning, we urge that they do so fairly and respectfully, recognising our differences, but never forgetting our shared responsibility for the common good. When the time comes, and new Senedd Members take their places, let us hold them in our prayers, that the next Government, whatever form it takes, may act with wisdom, humility and courage in the service of all the people of Wales.
On this St David’s Day, may we renew our commitment to one another, and may God bless Wales today, and always. Pob bendith,
++ Cherry Mynwy
+ Gregory Llanelwy
+ John Abertawe ac Aberhonddu
+ Mary Llandaf
+ Dorrien Tyddewi